Holladay council denies appeal over Casper Cottage permit 6-0 and adopts sidewalk maintenance policy; cemetery rezone vote deferred
July 16, 2026, 6:00 p.m. · Temporary City Council Chambers, 3330 South 1300 East, Millcreek
On July 16 the council voted 6-0 to deny an owner's appeal of the Planning Commission's denial of a conditional use permit at the Casper Cottage on Murray Holladay Road, which the commission denied for incompleteness. It adopted a sidewalk maintenance policy and a county health agreement amendment, 6-0, and left hearings on a cemetery expansion rezone and a Royal Holladay Hills land use text amendment for later votes.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item V · Other
Appeal of denial of conditional use permit for the Casper Cottage (PZ #26-1-05), Murray Holladay Road
Denied · 6-0
Acting in a quasi-judicial role, the council heard the owner argue that the only remaining request was an additional dwelling unit to preserve the historic cottage and that a lot restriction should be waived; he acknowledged the application lacked detail and the antique shop request was withdrawn. Staff said the commission denied the application on completeness, not merits, after the applicant declined to continue, table or withdraw. Council Member Sundwall questioned why it was not withdrawn; Council Member Gray said key information was missing; the mayor said the council should not substitute its judgment for the commission's. Council Member Durham appreciated the owner's goals.
Item VI · Public hearing
Public hearing: rezone 4901 South Memory Lane from R-1-21 to P for cemetery expansion
Continued
Staff said the Planning Commission found the rezone appropriate. No public comment. Hearing closed; vote deferred to the next meeting.
- Current zone: R-1-21; proposed: Public (P)
Item VII · Public hearing
Public hearing: Royal Holladay Hills land use table text amendment (personal services)
Continued
The agenda wrongly said "professional services"; the item concerns "personal services." The city attorney recommended keeping the hearing open. The applicant asked for clarification of the definition. The Planning Commission recommended approval.
Item VIII · Roads and utilities
Resolution 2026-21: public sidewalk maintenance policies
Approved · 6-0
The insurer recommended outlining maintenance priorities; high-traffic areas near schools, transit stops and parks get more frequent inspections and residential areas are reviewed every two to three years.
Item IX · Contract
Resolution 2026-22: amendment to Salt Lake County agreement for community-centered health programming
Approved · 6-0
Provides about $105,000 for the coming year, bringing the three-year total to just over $300,000.
- Grant$105,000 to Salt Lake County
Item XI · Other
City manager report
Discussed
A community survey with Y2 Analytics is planned for September and October. The federal BUILD grant for Highland Drive was not awarded and the city intends to reapply. A $15,000 state grant with a 50% match would fund a survey of 800 to 1,000 historic sites. FEMA has not decided eligibility for the City Hall project.
- Grant$15,000 to State Historic Preservation Office
Item XIII · Parks
Work meeting: Spring Lane bridging document
Discussed
The consultant presented a total estimate of $8,090,861, with the pavilion alone at $330,976 and turf options of Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue and Bermuda grass. A budget amendment comes in August and a delivery method decision Aug. 6 or 20.
- Budget$8.09 million
What residents said
Historic cottage preservation
A library report on summer reading and national library rankings.